Polish Judges Association “IUSTITIA” with a great concern notes the information coming from Turkey about dismissal more than 2,000 judges and prosecutors and detention a few hundreds of them. These actions raise serious concern about further democratic order in Turkey. There is no indication as to have a real connection with a failed coup.
Changes in the law, adopted in the months, prior to these events weakened the independence of the judiciary and the independence of the Turkish judges .Detention those among them who were protesting against the changes raises serious suspicions about the political background of the current action.
The judges, who were dismissed from the service, state that this is a repression for having tried to keep the requirement of independence and impartiality. Turbulent history of Poland and other European countries indicates, made us aware that one of the guarantees of prosperity for future generations is the real protection of human and civil rights, an independent judiciary and the independence of judges. The principle of tenure of judges is fundamental to ensuring the protection of human rights. The current actions of the Turkish authorities violate this principle.
We appeal to all democratic institutions of Europe, as well as the Polish society for assistance to judges who have remained true to our shared ideals of democracy and freedom. We also appeal to all judges in Turkey to never doubt that fidelity to the Constitution they have chosen is the right path. We assure you that we will provide support and assistance.